According to Al-Monitor, Turkey is on the verge of breaking into the European defense market with its first crewed, jet-powered aircraft export, marking a significant advancement in Ankara's growing ambitions to position itself as a global arms supplier. The recent agreement between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), European aviation giant Airbus, and approximately 15 Spanish defense firms represents a watershed moment for Turkey's defense industry.
The deal, signed on May 14, involves the joint production of the Hurjet trainer and light attack aircraft for Spain's military. This marks Turkey's first jet aircraft sale to a NATO ally and is expected to serve as a springboard for deeper Turkish-European defense cooperation. According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, the initial plan outlines the provision of 30 Hurjets to Spain at a total cost of €275 million ($309.5 million).
The Hurjet, meaning "free jet" in Turkish, is set to replace the aging Northrop F-5, the US-produced jet currently used by the Spanish military as a training aircraft. Defense industry experts believe this agreement begins broader defense cooperation between Turkey and Spain and potentially with other NATO allies, including Italy and Portugal.
A Turkish defense industry insider revealed that Airbus and the Spanish companies chose TAI, which is owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and the Turkish government, due to the advanced testing stage of the Hurjet platform. "The Spaniards have a very mature defense industry and could have undertaken such a project on their own," the source noted, "But Airbus, which usually takes the lead in these kinds of European ventures, moves very slowly while TAI already has a proven and flight-tested platform in the Hurjet."
The Hurjet's maiden flight occurred in 2023, and the trainer is expected to enter mass production in 2026. The Turkish Air Force initially plans to acquire 16 units, potentially expanding to 100. The aircraft will serve multiple roles, including as an advanced trainer, light attack aircraft, and for the Turkish Stars acrobatics team.
This development follows a December 2024 memorandum of understanding between Turkey's ambassador to Spain and Spain's minister of defense regarding the sale of 24 Hurjets. Industry analysts note that the Hurjet has several advantages over competitors, including its supersonic capabilities demonstrated in October 2024.
The Hurjet deal is part of a broader pattern of Turkish defense exports to NATO allies. In December 2024, Turkey's state-owned Defense Technologies Engineering Corporation (STM) signed a contract with the Portuguese Navy to build two replenishment ships, marking the first time Turkey is selling military vessels to NATO and EU members.
Following the Hurjet sale, annual defense and security trade between Turkey and Spain is expected to rise significantly, potentially reaching $3-4 billion. This partnership builds on previous collaborations, including the joint construction of Turkey's first amphibious assault ship, TCG Anadolu.
As Turkey continues to expand its defense industry footprint in Europe, these deals represent commercial success and strategic integration into the European defense ecosystem, potentially opening doors for more advanced roles in future joint programs.
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